Introduction:

Wheels & Axles offer another example of a force distance tradeoff. Sometimes the input is on the wheel, to put a larger force on the axle, and sometimes the input is on the axle, to give a distance advantage to the wheel.

Activity:

Try the tinkertoy wheel/axles provided by your teacher. Explain the force-distance trade-off involved.

The Essence of The Wheel/Axle:

• Two cylinders are joined together, with a common axis, so they both spin at the same rate.
  • Spin the wheel (like a steering wheel) and the axle gets a stronger force on it.
  • Spin the axle (like the transmission on a car) and the wheel goes a greater distance as it spins.
• MA = (Input Circumference) / (Output Circumference)

Video of 2007 RGD

Conclusion:

Start to look for materials that could be used as simple machines! Start to collect junk for your RGD!